Laura Doornbos and Emily Kabbes proved they could be the difference-makers for the Illinois State volleyball team. The sophomores collected 18 kills apiece in four intrasquad scrimmage games Saturday at Redbird Arena.
About 250 people were in Redbird Arena as the Redbirds held a Meet the Birds event before the match with games and contests for fans conducted by Illinois State players and coaches. The Redbirds open the 2003 season at 7 p.m. Friday in Redbird Arena against Illinois in the first round of the Barker-GMC Classic, which also includes Clemson and No. 8 Nebraska.
Doornbos, who moved from right-side hitter to left for this season, hit .310 with 18 kills in 42 swings. Kabbes, a middle blocker, hit .412 with 18 kills in 34 attempts. She also had seven blocks, three behind scrimmage leader Amber Rogers who had 10.
You can see that Laura and Emily are our go-to players, said Dingman. They showed that today and, overall, I thought our effort was good. Weve been blocking well since the spring season and I thought we dug the ball well today.
The teams were relatively evenly matched for the first two games, but the Red team, featuring Doornbos and junior setter Kelly Rikli, won 30-24 and 30-25. Staci Boyces serving helped keep the White team close in those first two games. She had three aces and three service runs of four points or more.
Redbird coach Sharon Dingman put all her starters on the White team for the final two games as White won 30-25 in game three.
Game four was played to 15 points, but the White squad--featuring manager Greg Ostapa and five first-year Redbird players--surprised the starters 15-12.
Dingman applauded how the White team took advantage of Red mistakes, including four service errors. Freshman Maura McCarthy came up big in that game with five kills.
You cant win a 15-point rally-scored game with four service errors, said Dingman. That was a disappointment, but the Red team played well in that game. Maura had some big swings.
McCarthy had 14 kills in the match. Another newcomer, freshman Savannah Knowles, had 11 kills and 13 digs.
Redbird fans will have another chance to meet the Birds at the annual First Serve Luncheon at noon, Friday at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington. The luncheon will feature players and coaches from all four teams participating in the Barker GMC Classic. Tickets are $10 per person and available by calling The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
